Bar closes as virus rises in Florida
Cities debate masks as caseload hits 100,000
ORLANDO, Fla. — A popular bar where dozens of workers and patrons have contracted the coronavirus became Florida’s first to have its liquor license suspended since bars and pubs reopened earlier this month, after a state inspector found patrons weren’t socially distancing and following other restrictions.
At least 13 employees and 28 patrons have tested positive for COVID-19 at the The Knight’s Pub, a bar popular with students from nearby University of Central Florida, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation said.
Florida Gov. Ron Desantis on Tuesday warned that bars would be getting visits from inspectors with the state licensing office — “the grim reaper here” — and, after a warning, those not following social distancing and other guidelines meant to stop the virus’ spread would lose their liquor licenses.
“The guidelines are in place for a reason. We want environments that aren’t going to be a huge risk of transmissions,” Desantis said at a news conference at a hospital in Orlando. “If you go in, and it’s Dance Party USA, dancing up to the rafters, that’s not cut-and-dry. There’s no tolerance for that.”
Florida had 103,503 cases on
Tuesday, a daily jump of 3,286 cases. Florida also reported 3,238 deaths, an increase of 64 from the previous day.
In other developments:
Washington state will require people to wear facial coverings in public settings, under a statewide public health order announced by Gov. Jay Inslee in response to ongoing Covid-related health concerns. The order, issued by Secretary of Health John Wiesman, takes effect Friday.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said he has no plans to shutdown the economy and appears unwilling to bow to mounting pressure to make face masks mandatory despite a warning from the state’s epidemiologist that a complete shutdown might be imminent if Utah can’t stop a prolonged spike of coronavirus cases.
The Macy’s July 4th fireworks will go forward in New York City, but with a twist meant to keep spectators from congregating in large numbers during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday that there will be a series of “unannounced displays” around the city leading up to the Fourth.